More subdivisions planned by developers, city officials

Developers and city officials met Monday afternoon to look at plans for Stephanie Estates and Plaza Tire.

Stephanie Estates, a 12lot subdivision, was presented by Dirk Thibodeaux with Morrison Shipley and is proposed on Bussey Lane north of Arkansas Highway 72 east of the city adjacent to the city limits.

Discussion surrounded whether the developers were going to use wells and septic tanks or city water, which is available. City officials told Thibodeaux that if the subdivision uses city water, it must be annexed as it is contiguous to the city limits.

“If you’re wanting to do wells and septic, the county ain’t going to go for it,” Ken Hayes, city Water Utilities Department superintendent, said. “When it comes to available services, you’re within 300 feet of a water line.”

Thibodeaux’s plans also called for “laydown curbs” which city officials said is not acceptable.

“This could easily change the dynamic of the entire subdivision,” Thibodeaux said, as planners discussed other developments in the area and whether sewer would be available in the near future.

The other project presented was Plaza Tire, part of the Pea Ridge Commons project south of Slack Street. Reed Hill, an engineer with Crafton & Tull, presented plans to city officials.

“My client just wants to have it ready,” Hill said, explaining that the client does not plan to build until work begins on Pea Ridge Commons. He said the only utilities needed are the service lines for water and sewer.

City building official Tony Townsend asked whether the building will be “sprinkled” for fire safety; Hill said he didn’t know.

Hill said he had a permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation but did not yet have Health Department approval. Planners also discussed the width of sidewalks, agreeing that 5-feet width is required.